New BBC doc starring Llanelli local

A new BBC documentary called Hell on Wheels will tell the tale of Cardiff’s Tiger Bay Brawlers as they compete on the European stage and stars Laura Kemp from Llanelli.

Airing on BBC One Wales on August 7 at 10.35pm, the film focuses on the fortunes of the Tiger Bay Brawlers based in Wales’ capital city. It will also be available to view on BBC iPlayer.

Giving ‘blood, sweat and tears’ a whole new meaning, Hell On Wheels charts the lives of Wales’ first roller derby team; the Tiger Bay Brawlers. An observational documentary, it follows the team during the biggest moment of their lives as they compete in the European Continental Championships.

Along the way, it explores what has made roller derby the fastest growing sport in Europe and a cultural phenomenon as well as providing a safe place for women of all shapes, sizes and gender orientations to express themselves while creating a community spirit that they can’t find in their daily lives. Those featured include Laura Kemp who plays for the Brawlers.

Laura Kemp of the Tiger Bay Brawlers said; “When we started this journey we didn’t know what to expect other than we wanted to share our experience of roller derby with the wider community. To have our friendships, our highs and lows and the hard work as amateur athletes that we put into our sport captured in such a beautiful and moving documentary means more than words can say.  We know roller derby can change the world, now everyone else will be able to see that too.”

Directed by Toby Cameron, Hell on Wheels was filmed as part of the New Documentary Directors Initiative that gives up-and-coming directors the opportunity to make their first long-form documentary.